Unlocking the Power of High-Value Connections in a Hybrid Workplace

These connections can help you stay productive, motivated, and engaged, regardless of your location. In this article, we'll explore how to unlock the power of high-value connections in a hybrid workplace by providing tips and strategies to help you stay connected and thrive. Whether you're a seasoned remote worker or new to the concept of hybrid work, this article will provide valuable insights that can help you succeed in this new era.

In a hybrid workplace, building high-value connections are essential. These connections provide mutual benefit and create opportunities for growth and development. In a hybrid or flexible workplace, these connections become even more critical, as remote work can create feelings of isolation and discontent, driving down both productivity and retention. On the other hand, high-value connections can help you feel more connected to your colleagues and clients, create opportunities for collaboration, and help you stay motivated and engaged in your work.

“Hybrid work creates the opportunity to spend meaningful time together in the office collaborating and building relationships. However, hybrid work also requires more extensive coordination of meetings and schedules, from determining when others are available and in the office to figuring out how to lead hybrid meetings with part of the audience online.” Gallup Workplace Advantages and Challenges Study

Look for opportunities to build trust

Creating connections means there needs to be rapport that allows people to relate to each other's ideas. This helps establish trust and mutual respect, which can be the foundation for productive collaborations. Ensuring everyone feels included in the conversations and that their ideas are valued and essential. To do that, it’s crucial to invest time into getting to know each other, both online and in person. Many simple activities can help strengthen relationships in the workplace and foster a sense of community.

A few ways to build trust with others include: 

• Make their relationship a priority
• Show personal regard. Invest time in personally knowing others
• Be a committed listener. Be fully present
• Promote thinking rather than advice giving
  
  

Reduce the feelings of isolation

At the same time, remote work or even hybrid can be isolating for some people. Creating opportunities to connect is vital, whether through in-person office days, team-building activities, or simple check-ins via video calls. It’s essential to be aware of the signs of loneliness and take steps to address it. It’s also important to provide flexibility when necessary – allowing employees to tailor their workdays to fit their needs. 

Flexy Clubs lets employees form groups based on shared interests and activities, such as music, fitness, traveling, gaming, and more. It's a great way for workers to come together and connect around topics they are passionate about. Employees can also use Clubs to find colleagues with similar interests in their area or city. This helps build relationships between workers, making them feel less isolated while working remotely. 

This is especially important when it comes to onboarding new hires. Clubs allow new employees to start building relationships with other team members right away, even if they're distributed across different locations. They can introduce themselves and get to know their teammates better by joining the same club or interest group. 

Building high-value connections in a hybrid workplace is essential for success. By being proactive in your approach, fostering open communication, and leveraging technology, you can build strong relationships with your colleagues and clients and thrive in your work. As noted in a Forbes article, 89% of HR leaders agree that ongoing peer feedback and check-ins are key for successful outcomes.  Employee Recognition Report

Provide a platform for communication and connection

Having effective tools in place is critical for any remote team to be successful. Invest in technologies that make it easy for everyone to communicate and connect quickly and efficiently. Slack, Teams, and instant messaging apps have seen a massive rise in most workplaces, allowing quick conversations and reminders. A central hub like Flexy can act as an employee engagement e-source to stay connected and informed about where and when people are working, making it easier for team members to stay in touch and collaborate on projects. And desk booking software has made people feel confident they have a place to sit and work.

These, among other tools are emerging to fill the hybrid workplace's needs, to ensure everyone is connected, productive and supported.

Broadcast news and updates

Nothing is more unsettling than not knowing what is happening in your company. Resources such as dashboards, blogs and newsletters can help keep everyone informed of new policies, initiatives, and other organizational developments. Additionally, having an internal social platform where employees can interact helps build camaraderie while providing a quick way to share news and updates.

Organizational culture is built through real-life interactions, so creating opportunities for employees to connect with each other is essential. While virtual events can be great resources for employees working from home, a few in-person gatherings throughout the year can also help promote collaboration and connection—such as town hall meetings, socials or learning opportunities.

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Ultimately, unlocking the power of high-value connections in a hybrid workplace takes time, tools and effort. It’s a process that requires ongoing communication, easier collaboration, and trust. By ensuring everyone on your team feels comfortable and confident in their role, you’ll be able to foster a strong sense of community and collaboration – no matter where each individual is located. 

Flexy.ai, a Bay Area and Montreal-based technology company, created Flexy, a hybrid workplace engagement app, to solve for some of the biggest people challenges companies face in a remote-first workplace – Flexy bridges the gaps for hybrid teams and companies providing relevant real-time information on when, where and how to best contact and connect with colleagues.